The different equestrian riding styles utilize different types of bridles, just as they use different saddles. Used to control a horse, a bridle is an elemental piece of equine equipment. Three parts, the headstall, bit and reins comprise the bridle. turnout rug Some are more complicated than others such as the double bridle. Others, like the bitless bridle, use a noseband rather than a bit to control the horse.

The bit is the metal piece that slips into the horse’s mouth for it to bite down on. The reins are the dual leather straps that attach to each end of the bit. To secure the bridle to the horse’s head and to keep tension on the bit, several connected leather straps and buckles called a headstall is used.

The two basic riding styles are known as the English style and the western style. The English style employs three basic types of bridle. With one bit and one set of reins, the snaffle bridle is the simplest. treeless saddles It is the most common bridle type in the English riding style. The second kind is called the Pelham bridle. It too uses one bit, but there are two sets of reins – one for the snaffle end and one for the curb end of the single Pelham bit. The double bridle is the most complicated of bridles. This type uses two bits. The first is known as the small snaffle or bradoon, while the other is known as the curb or Weymouth bit. equestrian rugs Two sets of reins are used – one for each bit.

Most western bridles with bits have no noseband, nor do they have a browband. To secure the headstall, they instead use a small strap of leather that wraps around one or both ears. Western bridles have one set of reins for control. Some do use a noseband such as the bitless bridle or hackamore. Instead of using a bit to steer the horse, the noseband puts pressure on the animal’s face which in turn gives the rider directional control.

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